Looking for some feed back on Helmets. Need one for Drag racing and road racing. What are the best features, Models and Brands?

 

Don't know much about race helmets, but Simpson and Bell are two of the more popular brands

 

I dont know a lot about helmets either, but I found a local racing shop and spoke with one of the guys there. He raced professionally, he listened to what I wanted to do and how much I wanted to spend. Then he brought out several helmets and I tried them on and went with the one that felt the best. The brand is Race Quip. If you have a local shop I'd recommend trying some on.

 

If you are just starting, I wouldn't buy an expensive helmet look into Pyrotect. They offer many great inexpensive helmets.

 

Oh yeah, great point! -- a tip they always give for motorcycle helmets is to try them on in person, and walk around the store for around 10-15 min with it on. It might feel a little snug, but that's OK, it is a new helmet and the pads are going to be a little stiff. But if you start getting uncomfortable, feel pressure points, or start to get a headache, then move on to the next one. You don't want something that doesn't fit right when it's job is to protect your noggin.

Everyone's got different head shapes (round, intermediate oval, oval) so you're going to have to find what works for you. I ended up getting a Shoei for my bike, which is pricier, but it was the best fit. And in the long run, the extra $200 is worth every bit of protection.

This is jogging my memory a little bit--
Don't forget to look at ratings too (Snell 2010, etc) and which one is required for the tracks/events you want to do. And watch out for reg vs. motorcycle ratings. A motorcycle helmet might be rated Snell M2010, which may or may not be OK for a given track. IIRC, the motorcycle rated helmets aren't fireproof. This is OK for HDPE drives @ Summit Point, but not for SCCA AutoX (at least it wasn't last time I did it).

Still don't know much about race helmets, but hopefully this helps

 

Hey guys great suggestions. I know I have to have the Latest Snell ratings for my track. I am interesting in road racing at Sebring and they have the same Snell specs.

Since this is for cars is there a preference on open front or not?

Also forgot about the fire ratting great to point that out.

 

When I bought my RaceQuip, I called the company and asked about changing the cheek pads. They sent me to Pyrotect. The helmets between the two companies look very similar and are similarly priced.

 

I use a Simpson Skull. Some tracks/events require a helmet with full facial closure, so you're better off getting one to start with.

 

I got a Zamp racing helmet when I got my most recent one

good quality at a more affordable price

I would look for one with Snell rating of SA2015

 

Definitely try on different brands if you can. They all fit a bit differently. An Arai is going to fit a bit different head shape than a Simpson or Bell. Lightness is a benefit, since your neck will be taking all the increased weight. Also, definitely go full face, it will protect you better (keep your shield down), and is required at some tracks (as was said earlier). Try to find Snell 2015 even if 2010's are still legal, because they won't be when the next gen comes out.

A little bit of venting goes a long ways, and you get what you pay for. You don't have to go with a $1500 carbon helmet, but the mid range ones will be much more comfortable and offer better features.

 

These are all really good tips. I live in a small town out side of Clearwater Florida. Not many speed shops. Where are all of you trying these helmets at? Motor Cycle shops?

 

That's a bummer you have no speed shops.

I went to a (the one) speed shop in town. Even at that I was lucky they had 2 or 3 to try on in my size.

Maybe try ordering from someone with a return policy? Also if you can get one whose fit can be adjusted with inserts you might have a higher success rate.

If you go with Pyrotect or RaceQuip for example, there are really only three models. After looking at them you'll probably see there's really only one logical choice. Their fit can be adjusted by buying different cheek pads or liners.

 

I think open face vs full is a personal preference, and it depends on the events you are participating in some might require full. I ended up going full face, and unfortunately it is the Snell 2010 spec, instead of the newer 2015.

 

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^ +1, I have this open face helmet in flat black. Good price, less then $200, works fine. I track my car (road coarse) 3-4 times per year. Here is a good website for racing stuff, including this helmet:
http://www.soloperformance.com/

 

Great Idea. I was looking at a few online ones and they allow returns. I might try that. Can you post a picture of your helmet?

 

What made you go open face on your helmet?

 

Gravydog, I'm with you. Trying to find information on cr helmets is trying at best.

 

You do know you can get your helmet recertified for the new specs, right?

 

No I didnt realize that. What do you have to do to have that done?

 

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So others can see my gorgeous smile...NOT. I live (and track my car) in Las Vegas, so track days are very hot. I wanted cooler, thus, open-face.